BCCI pays Homage to Legendary Spinner Padmakar Shivalkar

BCCI, Padmakar Shivalkar, Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar

March 4, 2025

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BCCI pays Homage to Former Legendary Spinner Padmakar Shivalkar

They say legends never die, their legacy lives on for eternity. One such legend from the world of cricket left us for the heavenly abode on March 3. Former cricketer from Mumbai, the late Padmakar Shivalkar passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 84.

The left-arm spinner had been an indispensable player for the Mumbai team for over two decades but never got selected to represent the Indian contingent. The reason often cited is him having played in the same era as fellow left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, who is hailed as the best ever left-arm spinner to have graced the cricket scene.

Mr. Shivalkar, the champion athlete is counted amongst the greatest Indian cricketers, and is presently survived by his family of wife, son and daughter. He is often twinned with another left-arm spinner from Haryana, Rajinder Goel for the misfortune of having their professional careers co-exist with that of Bishan Singh Bedi.

Post the news of his demise went public, several notable figures from the cricket fraternity expressed their condolences through social media.

“This is very sad news indeed. Within a short time, Mumbai cricket has lost two of its stalwarts Milind and now Padmakar who were the architects of many a victory,”, Sunil Gavaskar commented in his tributes for the departed soul.

“One of my regrets as India captain is not being able to convince the national selectors to include ‘Paddy’ in the Test team. He deserved the India cap far more than some others who got it. That’s fate. He was the bowler who would get the best batter from the opposition out and set up wins for Mumbai. Paddy was one of a kind and am deeply saddened by his passing away. Om Shanti,” Gavaskar expressed his emotions and shared them with the public.

What was true for the iconic bowler was possibly his attribute of being utterly dependable on. With him in the side, the skipper only had to work through with the supporting bowlers. Shivalkar’s smooth action, command over the loop, effortless skill on the field and the relentless pursuit made the job of fellow team-mates easier and hassle free. The bowling action flight and the hidden subtle variations posed an attractive proposition to dismiss batsmen and clinch wickets with a classy effortlessness.

To give a glimpse of his professional trajectory, Shivalkar, began his first-class career in the 1961-62 season and continued to play for Mumbai until the 1987-88 season. He featured in close to 124 first class matches and picked 589 wickets.

This humongous figure includes a massive 42 five-wicket hauls and 13 ten-fers. His career best figures of 8 for 16 and 5 for 18 in the finale match of the Ranji Trophy 1972-73 season against Tamil Nadu on a dicey Chepauk pitch assisted Mumbai to the zenith and seal the victory for an unbelievable 15^th time.

He was also an eminent member of the squad that reclaimed the crown in 1980-81 season. An incredible high was Padmakar’s comeback in professional cricket at the age of 47, when he played two matches during the 1987-88 domestic season.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Padmakar Shivalkar, a true legend of Mumbai cricket. His invaluable contributions, passion for the game, and inspiring legacy will always be remembered and cherished.

Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire… pic.twitter.com/y07DlOOTPq

— Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) (@MumbaiCricAssoc) March 3, 2025

“Mumbai cricket has lost a true legend today. Padmakar Shivalkar Sir’s contribution to the game, especially as one of the finest spinners of all time, will always be remembered. His dedication, skill, and impact on Mumbai cricket are unparalleled. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the cricketing fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.” MCA President Ajinkya Naik also expressed his condolence on behalf of the entire Mumbai Cricket Association.

The late Shivalkar’s favorite mode of dismissal in his own words perhaps resonated about the kind of bowler he was. “I used to enjoy getting the batsman stumped,” he told The Cricket Monthly in an interview way back in 2017.

The domestic cricket stalwart was felicitated with the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He won the maximum matches for Bombay and West Zone, an accomplishment that remains etched in people’s hearts till date.